Journal

Nowadays we can say without any doubt that design is a multidisciplinary discipline. Every designer has his or her own methodology and can therefore choose to use different tools and channels to gather information for the design in hand. Taking this into consideration I have compiled a list of tools that I find very helpful when I start a new project.

Investigation

At a fundamental level designing is the systematic exploration of a problem with the tacit objective of solving that problem. As such, the process relies on the ability of the designer to understand the problem at hand. Comprehension of a specific problem can only happen after arduous research. This includes the perspectives of other designers who can assess said problem and think of potential ways to solve it.

Architecture information

After this initial research period, you must set forth the basic elements of what will ultimately become the end product. When the designer designs, he or she takes the basics and changes or shapes them into something completely different. Often it can take more time to identify patterns replicated throughout the solution than to create the information architecture. Normally to arrive at a more competent final product one must avoid to many iterations.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics come into play, in most cases, when the structure is complete. Depending on the project, you can already have a style guide or vice versa. In any case there is a wide spectrum. You can start the search for a certain style that already exists or you can innovate and create something new. However, everything has already been designed!

Implementation

The design should be real, while it is still debated whether a designer should be able to independently implement a design, the reality is that there are some designers who can do this and therefore have greater professional value in the open market.

Presentation

In addition the design process is an interpersonal and somewhat subjective discipline. In most cases, Designers present their work by enumerating and justifying the choices they have made. Designers should strive to “sell” even the most obvious aspect of the design or on the contrary may be able to justify certain aspects of a design that is technically defective.

These 5 design methodologies should be employed to evaluate professional designers from all walks of life. At first, a junior designer may avoids going through all the proper the steps, which may lead to a poor design or a longer process of design. While more experienced designers will follow the corrects steps without even thinking about it.